Person Page - 10

     Carmela Calleja was born on 20 June 1908 in Mosta, Malta; age 21 in 1930 census; age 32 in 1940 census; Passenger Index: Jun 19 1908.^3,4,5 She married Joseph Pisani, son of Pacifico Pisani and Maria Angela Said, on 5 January 1946 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹ Carmela Calleja died on 22 April 1997 at San Ramon, Contra Costa Co., CA, USA, at age 88. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     She witnessed the Passport Application of Carmela Mifsud on 25 September 1920 at Mosta, Malta; age 35.⁵ Carmela Calleja emigrated from Malta on SS Niagara on 17 November 1920 to New York, NY, USA.³ She and Concetta "Connie" Stella Calleja were a cigarette factory laborer in 1930. Carmela Calleja was listed in the 1930 US Census of Joseph Calleja and Carmela Mifsud in 1930 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 50, factory laborer; and brother in law Alfred Mifsud.⁴ Carmela Calleja was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph Calleja and Carmela Mifsud in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 59, can co. laborer.⁶ Her married name was Pisani.¹ Carmela Calleja was naturalized in 1959 at 80 Conkling St., San Francisco, CA, USA.

     Mary Josephine Pisani was born on 9 December 1946 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. She married Albert H Gates on 3 May 1975 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     As of 3 May 1975,her married name was Gates.

     Angiela Anne Pisani was born on 4 May 1949 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. She married John B. Berube on 21 July 1973 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA. Angiela Anne Pisani married Edward L. Tarantino.
     Angiela Anne Pisani George Galea was Angie's godfather. As of 21 July 1973,her married name was Berube. Her married name was Tarantino.
Angiela Anne Pisani "Our Maltese upbringing: came together and built a community around the church, the nuns, the school, social events, and picnics. Little Malta. We had a real sense of community." in 2024. She was living in 2024 in 1560 California Trl, Brentwood, CA, USA.

     Barbara Jean Pisani was born on 15 February 1948 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. She married James Garris on 28 June 1969 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Barbara Jean Pisani married Thomas J Sheridan.
     As of 28 June 1969,her married name was Garris. Her married name was Sheridan. Barbara Jean Pisani was living in 2024 in San Ramon, CA, USA.

     Kathleen Rose Pisani was born on 21 September 1951 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. She married Gregory F Isom on 19 July 1975 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA.²
     Her married name was Isom.² As of 2024, Kathleen Rose Pisani lived at an unknown place. Research.

     Research: Maltese in American Revolution (?). Research: First Franciscan pastor of St. Paul of Shipwreck Church in 1914.

History of Maltese in Bay Area was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 10 November 1917: Male Help Wanted: Concrete Laborers, Italians or Maltese, $3.25 per day.

Joseph Tonna was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 22 January 1925: Sale to Dry Agent
Joseph Tonna of 2032 Palou avenue was arrested In a Turk, street apartment house last night after
he is alleged to have sold a gallon of moonshine whisky to Miss Daisy Simpson, prohibition agent. A search of Tonna’s automobile, parked In front of the apartment house, produced fifteen gallons of moonshine whisky, according to Miss Simpson. Tonna was booked at the City Prison on charges of illegal sale and transportation of intoxicating liquor. His bail was fixed at $1000. Research: Tony Spiteri History: At that time some of the Maltese settlers had built businesses in and around the Bayview district and were considered pillars of the Maltese Community. There was: The Azzopardi and The Muscat Brothers Grocery stores: Fenech Furniture owned by Tom Fenech, Melita Furniture owned by Joe Tonna, Sherry and Calleja Furniture store on Revere Avenue owned by Charlie (hadida) Sherry and Jimmy (zambaret) Calleja, all good members. Many were the new immigrants who were helped by these early Maltese. in 1940. Research: Per Passinger Index, most Maltese immigrants to San Francisco were in the majority illerate laborers; a subgroup who immigrated between 1900 and 1925 are no longer living there in 1930 or 1940 census
Those who went to SF seem to be from the harborside cities of Valletta, Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa, or from the northwest villages of Malta, namely Mosta, Naxxar, Mellieh, St Pauls Bay etc; vast majority from Mosta, Malta; Lots of chain migration; many switched declared destinations; most passport issue dates correlate with dates of arrival noted in US Censuses. Research: Malta Protective Association (?). Research. Research. Research: Maltese in America: by Diane Andreassi:

https://www.everyculture.com/multi/Le-Pa/Maltese-Americans.html


Malta has limited natural resources, and the land is not suited to agriculture. The small size of the country and its isolation dissuades industrialization. Economic growth was spurred until the eighteenth century by a low rate of population growth, income gained from trade of cotton, and the European estates of the Knights of St. John. This began to unravel, however, following the era of the Napoleonic Wars, when an economic downswing was coupled with a surge in population. Early in the nineteenth century the government tried to obtain an ideal population—220,000 inhabitants by the twentieth century. As part of this plan, the government encouraged immigration to other British colonies in the Mediterranean and to the West Indies. The Maltese preferred northern Africa, and by 1885, 36,0000 Maltese immigrants moved to Algeria, Egypt, Tunis, and Tripoli. The rise in cheap native labor in northern Africa later pushed the Maltese people to find other locations in which to settle.

THE FIRST MALTESE IN AMERICA

The earliest Maltese settlers in the United States came in the mid-eighteenth century, mostly to New Orleans. These settlers were often regarded as Italians, and in fact tombstones sometimes mistakenly noted the deceased as "natives of Malta, Italy." The burial grounds were inscribed with such common Maltese names as Ferruggia (Farrugia), Pace, and Grima. By 1855 there were 116 Maltese living in the United States. In the 1860s, it was estimated that between five and ten Maltese came to the United States every year. The majority of the migrants were agricultural workers, and in New Orleans the majority worked as market gardeners and vegetable dealers.

The greatest number of Maltese people came to the United States during the first decades of the twentieth century. Their move coincided with the discharge of skilled workers from the Royal British Dockyard in 1919 following the end of the World War I. More than 1,300 Maltese immigrated to the United States in the first quarter of 1920, and most found work in automobile manufacturing. The Detroit Free Press reported in October 1920 that Detroit had the largest Maltese population in the United States, at 5,000 residents. In 1922, the Detroit Free Press reported that the only Maltese colony in the United States was in Detroit. Over the next few years, it is believed that more than 15,000 Maltese people settled in the United States and became citizens. They apparently intended to stay for a short time and return home. However, opportunities in America seemed more plentiful and stable than the uncertainties at home, and many Maltese people remained in the United States. By 1928 New York had an estimated 9,000 Maltese immigrants. San Francisco also had a large Maltese population.

After World War II, the Maltese government launched a program to pay passage costs to Maltese willing to emigrate and remain abroad for at least two years. As a result, a surge of Maltese left their homeland. In 1954, a reported 11,447 Maltese left the islands. This program enticed approximately 8,000 Maltese to come to the United States between 1947 and 1977. For more than a century Malta's government encouraged emigration because of the tiny size of the overpopulated island nation.
SETTLEMENT

Settlement in the United States was concentrated in Detroit, New York City, San Francisco, and Chicago. It has been estimated that more than 70,000 Maltese immigrants and their descendants were living in the United States by the mid-1990s. The largest estimated communities are the more than 44,000 Maltese in the Detroit area and the 20,000 Maltese in New York City, most of them in Astoria, Queens.

Read more: https://www.everyculture.com/multi/Le-Pa/Maltese-Americans.html#ixzz5xm310xbJ

The first immigrants from Malta to the United States arrived during the mid-eighteenth century to the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Many Americans assumed Malta was part of Italy. In some cases "Born Malta, Italy" was put on tombstones of Maltese because of the confusion. At this time and in the nineteenth century the Maltese who emigrated to the United States were still scarce. In fact, in the 1860s, only between five and ten Maltese emigrated to the United States every year. The majority of them were agricultural workers, and, in the case of New Orleans, market gardeners and vegetable dealers. After World War I, in 1919, Maltese immigration to the US increased. In the first quarter of 1920 more than 1,300 Maltese immigrated to the United States. Detroit, Michigan, with jobs in the expanding automobile industry, drew the largest share of immigrants. It is believed that in the following years, more than 15,000 Maltese people emigrated to the United States, later getting U.S. citizenship. A significant percentage of early Maltese immigrants intended to stay only temporarily for work, but many settled in the US permanently. In addition to Detroit, other industrial cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, California, attracted Maltese immigrants. After World War II the Maltese Government committed to pay passage costs to Maltese people who wanted to emigrate and live at least two years abroad. This program led to increased emigration by the people of the island and made up approximately 8,000 Maltese who arrived to the United States between the years 1947 and 1977. Malta's government promoted Maltese emigration because Malta was overpopulated.

The majority of Maltese immigrants arrived in the first half of the twentieth century, settling in cities like Detroit, New York City, San Francisco, Houston, and Chicago. The majority of Americans of Maltese descent now live in these five cities, particularly Detroit (approximately 44,000 Maltese) and New York City (more than 20,000 Maltese), in the latter them, most of the people of Maltese origin are concentrated in Astoria, Queens. In California, a Maltese community thrives in San Pedro and Long Beach.

The 2016 American Community Survey estimated 40,820 Americans of Maltese ancestry. Of these, 24,202 have Maltese as their first ancestry. This includes Maltese born immigrants to the United States, their American born descendants as well as numerous immigrants from other nations of Maltese origin.

As in their country of origin, Maltese Americans predominantly practice Roman Catholicism as their religion. Many are practicing Catholics, attending church every week and actively participating in their local parishes. Research: US Census data: Maltese: In San Francisco for that census year:
1880 =188
1900 = 30
1910 = 35
1920 = 391
1930 = 824
1940 = 834
1950 = 558
Date of Arrival:
1919 = 66
1920 = 130. Research. Research: Australian emigraiton expert. Research: History of Malta

Throughout the centuries, the island of Malta has known several conflicts which involved people of many languages and cultures.

In a census of the Maltese Islands dated 1240, under Frederick ll, held by the abbot Gilibert, of Catania we find [ although some discrepancies here] :

      Moslems      Christians
Malta      13,161      1,811
Gozo      2,733      3,606
Total      16,767      4,544


Wheras in 1530 the first census was held by the knights of St. John

      Saracens      Christians      Jews
Malta      681 families      47 families      25 families
Gozo      155 families      203 families      8 families
Total      836 families      250 families      32 families

The island itself was ruled successively (starting from the XVl century B.C.) by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthagenians, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs. With the Norman conquest of Malta in July 1090, the island became part of the Kingdom of Sicily.

It passed on to the Rule of The Order of St John of Jerusalem, although it was still nominally part of the Kingdom of Sicily. During these years, Sicily was ruled successively by Spain (up to 1707), Austria (1707-1713), Savoy (1713-1720), Austria (1720-1734), Spain (1734-1759), and Naples (1759-1798) .

The Order of St. John surrendered to the French under Napoleon , was under the British Protectorate between 1800-1814 and was finally taken into the British Empire by the free choice of the Maltese nation on the 30th May 1814 (Treaty of Paris).

Malta became an independent monarchy within the British Commonwealth in 1964, with Queen Elizabeth ll being recognized as Queen of Malta. Malta was declared a republic within the commonwealth in 1974. In 2004 Malta joined the European Union. Research: Liberty Bell:
Two local founders, John Pass and John Stow, offered to recast the bell. Though they were inexperienced in bell casting, Pass had headed the Mount Holly Iron Foundry in neighboring New Jersey and came from Malta, which had a tradition of bell casting. Govina Pace changed his name to John Pass. He was from Malta. Stow, on the other hand, was only four years out of his apprenticeship as a brass founder. At Stow's foundry on Second Street, the bell was broken into small pieces, melted down, and cast into a new bell. The two founders decided that the metal was too brittle, and augmented the bell metal by about ten percent, using copper. The bell was ready in March 1753, and Norris reported that the lettering (which included the founders' names and the year) was even clearer on the new bell than on the old.

John Pace (Pass) & The Liberty Bell


TRIQ JOHN PACE, BORMLA, MALTA/ JOHN PACE STREET, COSPICUA, MALTA

In Bormla (Cospicua) there is a street which is dedicated to John (Giovanni) Pace - Bell Founder. As a son of Bormla and one of the best bell founders on the island of Malta, I am sure that Giovanni could never have imagined that later on in life he would become a Maltese American, anglicise his name & surname from ‘Giovanni Pace’ to ‘John Pass’ and stamp his surname on one of the most important symbols in America – The Liberty Bell. The international Cospicuans Foundation The Liberty Bell, also known as the ‘Independence Bell’ and the ‘Old Yankee's Bell’ in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the most prominent symbols of the American Revolutionary War. According to tradition, on the 7 July 1776 it was rung to summon citizens of Philadelphia for the reading of the Declaration of Independence. It was later adopted by the American Anti-Slavery Society as a symbol of the abolitionist movement.

The Liberty Bell inscriptions:

Across the top is the inscription: "PROCLAIM LIBERTY THROUGHOUT ALL THE LAND UNTO ALL THE INHABITANTS THEREOF LEV. XXV X." This is a quote from the Old Testament of the Bible, Leviticus chapter 25, verse 10. Under this reads, "BY ORDER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE PROVINCE OF PENSYLVANIA [sic] FOR THE STATE HOUSE IN PHILADA". Lower on the bell are the inscriptions, "PASS AND STOW", the last names of the founders who cast the bell (John Pass and John Stow). Beneath this is "PHILADA," short for Philadelphia.

The lowest inscription is the Roman numerals MDCCLIII (1753), the year the bell was re-cast. The bell was originally called the State House Bell or the Province Bell. The bell was first called the Liberty Bell around 1839 by abolitionist (anti-slavery) publications. Research.

See History of Maltese in Bay Area.
Research.

     Joseph Anthony Calleja was born on 21 March 1940 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He married Ann Ruef on 1 March 1964 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Joseph Anthony Calleja died on 4 January 2011 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 70. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.
     He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph Calleja and Joanna Calleja on 12 April 1940 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 41, lumber yard salesman; grade 5 education. Joseph Anthony Calleja graduated in 1958 at Saint Ignatius High School, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 6 January 2011: Joe Calleja 70, is now with his mom and dad after his 10-year battle with cancer. He was a courageous soul who endured many surgeries and treatments all to live another day. He loved life and showed much bravery, patience and acceptance while tolerating pain and discomfort. His loss is paramount to his family: his wife of almost 47 years, Anna, daughters Joanna Condon, Debbie, Julie, and Bea McGinn, grandkids, Kelly, Madison, Joe and Luke. His sons-in-laws Terry Condon and Matt McGinn were instrumental in keeping him comfortable at the end. Joe grew up in the Maltese community of the Bayview District in San Francisco with his brother, Edwin "Uncle Bum" Calleja, sisters Nancy Lampe and Marlene Calleja. He was very close with cousins Charlie Belia, May May Walker and Mike Calleja. He was a unique sort of uncle to his nieces and nephews, making every one of them and their families feel special. They are all also devastated by his loss. He graduated from S.I. in 1958. He was so proud of the buildings around San Francisco that he electrified while he was an electrician (Local 6) including his last, the State building in the Civic Center. Joe's real role in life was a teacher. He taught us all about living life to the fullest, being courageous during difficult times and never giving up. He leaves behind throngs of admiring friends who he loved making laugh with his extraordinary sense of humor. "I got a million of 'em," was one of his favorite sayings. He truly left this world a better place. His life was a monumental success because of this. "Life is good!" We love you, Joe! Friends may visit Thursday 6pm, with the Rosary following at 7pm, St. Robert's Church. Funeral Mass Friday at 1pm, St. Robert's Church (San Bruno).

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on Jan. 6, 2011.² Joseph Anthony Calleja was also known as Joe Calleja.²

     Charles Muscat was born in 1940 in Malta.¹ He married Lygia L Bendana on 23 April 1960 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Charles Muscat and Lygia L Bendana were divorced on 19 March 1981 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA. Charles Muscat died on 10 November 2007 at Belmont, CA, USA; age 67.¹ He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He lived in 2004 at Millbrae, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 14 November 2007: Charles Muscat A native of Malta, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at his daughter's home in Belmont on November 10, 2007, at the age of 67. Charles was a long time resident of Millbrae before moving to Fair Oaks three years ago. He was a family man and was loved very much by his four daughters, Marie and Yvette and twin daughters, Shani and Charlotte; sons-in-law, Dan, Mike and Paal; six grandchildren, Natalie, Mario, Robert, Hayden, Alec and Amilia. We will miss you dad and nanu.¹ He and Charles Muscat were possibly the same person.

     Diane Marie Banchero was born in June 1946 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ She married Kenneth Michael Muscat, son of Charles Walter Muscat and Pauline J. Galea, on 15 February 1969 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA.¹ Diane Marie Banchero died on 2 September 2006 at Las Vegas, NV, USA, at age 60; age 60. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     As of 1970,her married name was Muscat.¹ She lived at Pacifica, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 6 September 2006: Diane Marie Muscat of Las Vegas, formerly of Pacifica, passed away, September 2, 2006. She was the beloved wife of Kenneth Muscat for 36 years; and loving mother of Rachelle Muscat and Robin Muscat of Pacifica; sister of Fred Banchero; mother-in-law of Roger Witzel. A native San Francisco, age 60.¹

     Kenneth Michael Muscat was born on 26 July 1946 in San Francisco, CA, USA. He married Diane Marie Banchero on 15 February 1969 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA.¹
     Kenneth Michael Muscat was listed in the 1940 US Census of Charles Walter Muscat and Pauline J. Muscat in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 25, retail flooring co., nailing floors.

     Dorothy V. Tanti was born circa 1946 in St. Paul's Bay, Malta. She died on 27 November 2005 at CO, USA; age 59.¹
     She emigrated from Malta on 23 August 1951. She was educated at St. Boniface Catholic School, San Francisco, CA, USA. She lived in 2004 at Millbrae, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 13 December 2005: Tanti, Dorothy V. - Age 59, youngest daughter of Joseph and Concetta Tanti, passed away in her Lakewood Home November 27, 2005. Born in St. Paul's Bay, Malta, Dorothy filled the hearts of family and friends with laughter, and her everlasting spirit for life.¹

     Joseph Tanti was born on 21 May 1910 in Malta. He married Concetta Cauchi, daughter of Nicola Paola Cauchi and Michelina Camilleri. Joseph Tanti died on 20 March 1977 at Redwood City, CA, USA, at age 66. He was buried on 23 May 1977 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta on 23 August 1951 to New York, NY, USA. He was naturalized on 20 November 1956 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 22 March 1977: Tatnti, Joseph - In Redwood City, March 20, 1977, husband of Concetta Tanti: devoted father of Mrs. Marlene Muscat, Dorothy Valentine, Anthony and Philip Tanti; endeared brother of Adeline Grech, Emily Bushnell and Rose Trevithick. all of Australia; loving grandfather of Joseph, Paul and Angela Muscat and Valentine Tanti; father-in-law of Anthony Muscat, Gefri Tanti and Diane Tanti ; uncle of Henry Dingli; a native of Hamrun, Malta, aged 66 years.
Joseph Tanti Mona Vella Nicholas, 2020: Valentine and family had a cousin named Paul Tanti. That may be the Paul Jr. born in 1947, as he was about that age. In that case, that would mean that Paul Sr. was either Joe's (Valentine's father's) brother or a first cousin, perhaps. Valentine's family was from St. Paul's Bay, but that doesn't mean that Joe and Cetta didn't move there after they were married. It is possible that Joe was originally from Rabat, like Paul Sr.

     Concetta Cauchi was born on 26 December 1914 in Malta. She married Joseph Tanti, son of (?) Tanti. Concetta Cauchi died on 28 August 2004 at San Carlos, CA, USA, at age 89. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Her married name was Tanti. She emigrated from Malta on 23 August 1951 to New York, NY, USA. She was naturalized on 11 June 1957 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 1 September 2004: Concetta Tanti At rest at home in San Carlos, CA, August 28, 2004. Beloved wife of the late Joseph Tanti. Loving mother of Marlene Muscat of Redwood City, Dorothy Tanti of Colorado, Tony Tanti of Livingston, CA, Philip Tanti of San Carlos and the late Valentine Tanti. Dearest mother-in-law of Tony Muscat and Yong Suk Tanti. Devoted grandmother of 8 and great grandmother of 3. A native of Malta, age 89.¹ Concetta Cauchi was also known as Cetta.

     Maria Carmela Tanti was born circa 1942 in Malta.
     She emigrated from Malta on 23 August 1951.

     Valentine Tanti was born circa 1942 in Malta. He died on 9 November 1968 at San Francisco, CA, USA; in a MVA.
     He was educated at St. Boniface Catholic School, San Francisco, CA, USA. He began military service U.S. Air Force.
Obituary: on 11 November 1968: TANTI, Valentine — Accidentally in a motor vehicle accident, in this city, November 9. 1968. Valentine Tanti, beloved son of Joseph and Concetta Tanti, endeared brother of Philip, Anthony. Dorothy and Mrs. Marlene Muscat: a native of Malta, aged 26 years; a veteran of U.S. Air Force.     

     Anthony Tanti was born on 17 September 1947 in Malta. He married Gerry J Selvitella on 14 June 1969 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Anthony Tanti and Gerry J Selvitella were divorced in December 1976 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA; also 13 May 1982. Anthony Tanti married Yong Suk. Anthony Tanti died on 7 May 2010 at Livingston, CA, USA, at age 62. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     He was educated at St. Boniface Catholic School, San Francisco, CA, USA. He lived at Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
Obituary: on 12 May 2010: Published in Merced Sun Star on May 12, 2010
First 25 of 273 words: September 17, 1947 ~ May 7, 2010 Anthony "Tony" Tanti a Livingston resident passed away on Friday, May 7, 2010. Tony was born in Malta...¹

     Hon. Charles Joseph Vassallo was born on 21 November 1921 in Mosta, Malta.¹ He married Emma Attard in 1947. Hon. Charles Joseph Vassallo died on 15 October 2009 at South San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 87; age 87.¹ He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He began military service British Army. He emigrated from Malta in 1947. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Treasurer, 49; A/Secretary, 1950s; awarded certificate of merit, 1963; granted Honorary Vice Consul, 1967; chairman, building committee; recieved contribution recognition by Maltese Club; Helped with remodel of new Club location, 1997-1999 in 1947 at South San Francisco, San Mateo Co., CA, USA. He was a An upholsterer, and later a real estate agent. He and John Mario Galea Sr were listed in the 1950 US Census age 28, upholsterer in San Francisco, CA, USA. Hon. Charles Joseph Vassallo and (?) Maltese Owned Businesses were Maltese Business Charles Vassallo Real Estate in 1960. Hon. Charles Joseph Vassallo attended St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church and was listed as a parishoner in 1962. He witnessed the Newspaper of (?) Maltese American Social Club and Maltese In the News on 7 March 1965 at San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, CA, USA; If one were to seek all the old fashioned virtues of family, church, and patriotism he would find them nowhere in greater flower than the Bayview district of San Francisco. It is there, to borrow an old Reader’s Digest phrase, one finds the Maltese among us.
Some 9,000 Maltese live in San Francisco, compared with 42,000 in the rest of the U. S. They came just before 1900, lured by tales reaching their Mediterranean island that the post Gold Rush period in San Francisco was every bit as good as the real thing.
About 50 Maltese who were here were given $400 by Archbishop Hanna and raised another $900 themselves to buy a saloon in the Bayview district and turn it into a church. The church is still there today at Jamestown and Third Street. All the nuns are Maltese as are two of the priests.
In the Maltese make-up there is no room for gray tones. Everything is positive. They are 100 percent Catholic, completely honest, fiercely patriotic, Democrats, hardworking and resolute. They are one of the few immigrant groups where each succeeding generation stays in the same neighborhood, marries within the Maltese community, allows none of its members to become a public charge. It is this stamp of character which enabled the Maltese people to stand endless bombings in World War II without cracking

Malta is an island 58 miles southwest of Sicily. In its area of 122 square miles live less than a third of a million people. These small, dark people preserve a language in which Dido may have welcomed Aeneas to Carthage. The sound of Maltese being spoken makes one think of it as a combination of Arabic and Italian. Indeed the Italians and the Maltese can understand each other's speech fairly well. The Maltese though, were Phoenicians.
One of the energetic spokesmen for the San Francisco Maltese is Charles J. Vassallo, a real estate broker. He came to the U. S. in 1947, worked first as an upholsterer, and later studied real estate.
The U. S. immigration quota for Maltese is 100 per year. Vassallo had always dreamed of and strived to come here, and says this is true of almost everyone in Malta. He was in the British Army taking a training course in London after the war when the word arrived that he could go to America.
He became acquainted with his fellow Maltese here at the Maltese Club. 1789 Oakdale Ave. He is an example of all those qualities he attributes to the Maltese in San Francisco—‘‘They own their own homes, they want to become number one citizens, they work hard, they stay in one place, they prosper.”
The Maltese Club was just remodeled for $165,000. Vassallo says “We all helped out. I gave the materials for the back bar, somebody else donated the labor, others gave ashtrays, carpets, clocks, and sofas.’’
Today Vassallo brings the politicians of the moment to parties at his club—Roger Boas, Leo McCarthy, George Moscone, and “You should see the way Mayor Shelley eats those cheesecakes.” The Maltese make a flaky, pastry cheesecake with a ricotta or a pastizzi filling.
Vassallo also helps his fellow Maltese to come to the U. S. by being a guarantor for many. He is proud when they make good. The vice-president of the club, Tony Spiteri, is with the naval shipyard at Treasure Island as a head barber.
Both Spiteri and Vassallo feel the Maltese don’t marry out because of the fear that most Americans don’t take family life so seriously as the Maltese. “There's a fear that a divorce may take place.”
In the Maltese family the man is definitely the head of the house. At least he was in Malta. The lament is that the women are coming up fast—“they are getting a little Americanized."

Hon. Charles Joseph Vassallo was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 19 June 1967: New Consulate -- Malta's Man in San Francisco, By Ralph Craib
San Francisco welcomed its 60th foreign consulate the other day, a modest and almost unnoticed event that suddenly elevated a Portola neighborhood store-front real estate office into the heady world of international relations. It was also an event of deep satisfaction for Charles Vassallo, who operates his little business at 2464 San Bruno avenue, the working-class shopping street that runs parallel to the Lick freeway out near the city line. Vassallo was formally notified that he is now the honorary vice consul of Malta, the string of three rocky islands 58 miles south of Sicily in the middle of the Mediterranean are now on newer maps. His status has not previously been official, but Vassallo has very avidly been looking out for Malta’s interests in the Bay Area for many years. His activities have been wildly varied: he has collected clothing for the poor, looked after Maltese professional soccer players now playing for the Pittsburgh Phantoms and has done some effective lobbying with friends in the local Democratic Party.
There is proof of this in a couple of street names: Malta drive and Valletta court are now on the city’s newer maps. I figured that if Russia had a street, why shouldn’t Malta?" Vassallo said. “I went down to the Board of Supervisors and got our streets.’ They’re in a new subdivision near West Portal. His street-naming lobbyings it must be noted, has not been limited to San Francisco. He visited Malta a few years ago and succeeded in getting a new four-mile scenic highway named Kennedy drive. Vassallo, a stocky, balding man, is one of 10,000 Maltese who live in the Bay Area, a very large group of them in the area where his office is and in Bayview where their church, St. Paul of the Shipwreck, is located
He served with the Malta Defense Forces in the British Army during the long siege of the island by the Axis powers during World War II and was in London at the end of the war when he was allowed to immigrate to the United States. He spent 13 years working as an upholsterer and then,
eight years ago, went into the real estate business.

Hon. Charles Joseph Vassallo was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 22 September 1967: Maltese j Celebration Yesterday was Maltese lndependence Day. and to celebrate the occasion various Maltese and city officials hoisted a Maltese flag at City Hall at 10 a.m. Last evening the Maltese held a reception at their consulate office here in the city. Both city and consular officials attended. He was a Real Estate in 1978 at San Bruno Ave., San Francisco, CA, USA. He was mentioned in the Newspaper article about (?) Maltese American Social Club on 11 September 1992; S.F. Maltese to Host President: Mediterranean island nation's leader to visit Bay Area this weekend. By Stephen Schwartz Chronicle Staff¹ Writer
In a weekend cultural festival of food, drink and worship, Maltese Americans will honor the Bay Area arrival of President Vincent Tabone of Malta, the small Mediterranean island that has served as a crossroads throughout history. A small but proud element in the tapestry of San Francisco’s ethnic communities, Maltese Americans have lived in the Bay view and Portola neighborhoods for more than 65 years. The community numbers about 20,000 today. “We in San Francisco are a very high-profile section of the Maltese in America,” said honorary Consul General Charles J. Vassallo, a retired businessman. “We have also had recent visits by Prime Minister Edward Fenech Adami and the bishop of Malta. We are proud to show them our achievements here.” 'Maltese are a Catholic people who speak a dialect of Arabic, reflecting long domination over the island from nearby North Africa. The island has a chivalrlc past as the headquarters of an order of Christian crusaders, the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem, who used Malta’s strategic location to amass unparalleled wealth."
It is also historically known for withstanding two ferocious sieges. The first, by the Turks, lasted four months, ending Sept. 8, 1565. The defeat of the Turks at Malta is considered by most historians to have marked the end of the Muslim threat to Europe. From 1800 to 1964, Malta was a British possession. A second great siege, by Hitler’s air force, came during World War. President Tabone represents the conservative and church-oriented Nationalist Party, which was brought back into office in 1987 to replace the Labor Party. Labor politicians had been criticized for strengthening ties between the island and Libya, under Moammar Khadafy.
Notwithstanding the weight of their history, most Maltese are unpretentious, hardworking and religious people, who will celebrate the visit of the island republic's s president with ethnic eating and drinking. "We like to get together over plenty of pastitsi cheese or meat pies," Vassallo said.
The main event in Tabone’s visit will be a Saturday evening reception at the Clarion Hotel in Millbrae. On Sunday, the party will attend a morning Mass at St Elizabeth Church at Somerset and Wayland streets in San Francisco, followed by a reception at the Maltese American Social Club, at 1789 Oakdale Avenue.
The agenda will include visits to Salinas, which also has a sizable Maltese community, as well as to San Francisco City Hall and Stanford University’s Hoover Institution.

Hon. Charles Joseph Vassallo was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 26 April 1995: Herb Caen: The original ``black bird'' from ``The Maltese Falcon'' film, now owned by Harry Winston jewelers in N.Y., arrives at SFO today, to be rec'd by the honorary Consul General of Malta, Charles Vassallo. The well-guarded statuette will be on view Friday night at John's Grill, scene of a fund-raiser ($55) for the police and fire dept.'s toy program .
Maltese Cross Foundation was a member of Maltese Cross Foundation Award in 2001. Research: in 2009 at 716 Berkshire Ave, Millbrae, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 19 October 2009: Charles Joseph Vassallo Late of Millbrae and San Mateo County resident for 35 years, passed away peacefully in South San Francisco on October 15, 2009. Beloved husband of Emma Vassallo married for 56 years. Loving father of Raymond (Tina) Vassallo, Jeffrey Vassallo and Donald (Cynthia) Vassallo. Caring grandfather of Ashley, Brittney and Gina. Dear brother of Rita, Eva and Burto. Devoted son of the late John and Francesca Vassallo. Uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. A native of Mosta, Malta, age 87 years. He served with great pride as Honorary Consul General of Malta U.O.M. for 43 years.¹ Research: Relatives??

     Carmela Maria Mifsud was born on 6 September 1922 in Gharghur, Malta. She married Joseph John Borg, son of (?) Borg.¹ Carmela Maria Mifsud and Joseph John Borg were divorced in February 1970 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Carmela Maria Mifsud died on 13 June 2010 at age 87.¹
     Her married name was Borg.¹
Obituary: on 16 July 2010: Carmela M. Borg September 6, 1922 June 13, 2010 Born in Gharghur, Malta to Joseph and Maryann Mifsud. She was the loving wife of the late Joseph Borg. Beloved mother of her caring son Bartholomew (Bob) Borg and dear mother-in-law of Christine Borg. She was the cherished sister of Jane Mifsud, Mary Mula, Joseph Mifsud, Paul Mifsud and the late Francis Mifsud, Michael Mifsud and Manuel Mifsud all of Malta and Albert Mifsud of Canada. Adored sister-in-law of Connie Borg of San Mateo. Carmela is also survived by numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews in Malta, Australia and America. Carmela was a resident of San Francisco since 1951 and was employed at Mount St. Josephs Home for Girls for ten years. She was a devoted member of St. Paul of the Shipwreck Catholic Church, a member of the Holy Name Society and the 3rd Order of St. Francis.¹

     Joseph Mifsud married Maryanne (?)¹

     Maryanne (?) married Joseph Mifsud.¹
     Her married name was Mifsud.¹

     Joseph John Borg was born on 29 July 1925 in Naxxar, Malta. He married Carmela Maria Mifsud, daughter of Joseph Mifsud and Maryanne (?).¹ Joseph John Borg and Carmela Maria Mifsud were divorced in February 1970 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Joseph John Borg died on 14 May 2002 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 76. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta in 1948 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.
Obituary: on 18 May 2002: BORG. Joseph J. — At rest in San Francisco May 14. 2002. Dearly beloved husband of Carmela Borg; cherished father of Bartholomew (Bob) Borg: loving father-in- law of Christine Borg; dear brother of Rosa (Sam) Xuereb. Charlie (Theresa) Borg. Sam (Jan) Borg.Bill (Carol) Borg. Connie Borg, and all their families; dear brother- in-law of Charlie Attard: devoted uncle of Anthony. Danny. Johnny, and Victor Attard. A native of (Naxxar. Malta. Aged 76 years.

     Domenica Muscat was born on 2 July 1916 in Naxxar, Malta; age 23 in 1940 census.¹ She married Charles F. Borg, son of Salvatore Borg and Rosa Maria Azzopardi, on 4 May 1939 at Gzira, Malta.¹ Domenica Muscat died on 8 November 2006 at CA, USA, at age 90; age 90.¹ She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     She emigrated from Malta on 20 June 1920. She was a witness At death of wife Carmela in 1934, his 4 girls, Georgina, Mary, Rose, and Lena, were placed in this orphanage with Joseph J Sammut in 1934 at Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum, San Francisco, CA, USA. Her married name was Borg.¹ Domenica Muscat and Charles F. Borg were listed in the 1940 US Census age 33, hog ranch laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.² Domenica Muscat was naturalized on 29 September 1941 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. Domenica Muscat was also known as Minnie Borg.
Obituary: on 18 November 2006: Domenica "Minnie" Borg 90, passed peacefully into the hands of God on November 8, 2006. Born in Mosta, Malta, Minnie married "Carmelo" Charles Borg on May 4, 1939, and moved to the United States. She settled in San Francisco with her husband's family and later moved to Gilroy and San Carlos, where she was a parishioner of St. Charles Catholic Church. She loved her family, her church, music and parties. She loved to sing, she loved to make people laugh, and she loved to entertain her family and friends. Mrs. Borg is survived by her two sons, Charles and Richard, and Richard's wife; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.¹

     Charles F. Borg was born on 11 May 1906 in Naxxar, Malta; age 33 in 1940 census.¹ He married Domenica Muscat on 4 May 1939 at Gzira, Malta.² Charles F. Borg died on 21 July 1984 at San Carlos, CA, USA, at age 78. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Charles F. Borg was also known as Carmelo Borg.² He and Salvatore Borg were listed in the 1930 US Census age 53, stock breeder in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.³ As of 1940, Charles F. Borg was also known as Charles Borg.¹ Research: Charles Borg is a lodger with George Cilia in 1940. He and Domenica Muscat were listed in the 1940 US Census age 33, hog ranch laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Charles F. Borg began military service on 16 October 1940 Draft: age 34.
Obituary: on 24 July 1984: BORG, Charles F. — ln Redwood City, July 21, 1984; beloved husband of Minnie Borg of San Carlos; loving father of Charles J. Borg of Midland, Michigan, and Richard D. Borg of San Carlos; dear brother of Mary Callieja of Fremont and Pauline Cauchi of San Mateo; also survived by 5 grandchildren; a native of Malta; aged 78 years; a member of Painters Local #1146 and A.F.S.C.M.E. Local #337, both of Redwood City.

     Anthony Deguara was born on 24 October 1928 in Mosta, Malta.² He married Carmen Pace, daughter of Carmelo Pace and Antonia Borg, on 25 September 1966.² Anthony Deguara died on 24 February 2005 at Kaiser Hospital, South San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 76.²
     He emigrated from Malta in 1952 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.² He began military service between 1952 and 1953 at Korea US Army, corporal. He was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Supported remodel of Maltese Club in 1995.
Obituary: on 27 February 2005: DEGUARA, Anthony - Late of Millbrae and San Mateo County resident since 1974, entered into rest at Kaiser Hospital in South San Francisco on February 24, 2005. Beloved husband of Carmen Deguara, married since September 25, 1966. Dear brother of Maria Deguara, Charlie Deguara (his wife Vickie), Joan Vella (her husband Carmelo) all of Malta, and Lilly Schembri (her husband Joe) of Australia; also survived by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins in Malta and Australia. A native of Mosta, Malta, age 76. A member of the Maltese-American Social Club, and a Veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.¹ Anthony Deguara was also known as Tony Deguara.²

     Carmela Borg was born on 24 July 1921 in Rabat, Malta.² She married Francis DeGuara, son of Michael Deguara and Carmen Saliba.¹ Carmela Borg died on 30 January 2010 at Folsom, Sacramento Co., CA, USA, at age 88.² She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Her married name was DeGuara.¹ She emigrated from Malta on 12 June 1950.¹ As of February 2010, Carmela Borg was also known as Carmen Deguara.²
Obituary: on 3 February 2010: Carmen Deguara Born in Rabat, Malta on July 24, 1921, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2010 at Mercy Hospital of Folsom at the age of 88 1/2 years. Beloved wife of Frank Deguara married for 67 1/2 years. Loving mother of Nazareno "Reno" (Kathy) Deguara, Doris Vassallo, Mary (Charles) Abela and the late Josephine, Rose and Michael. Devoted grandmother of Joshua (Jamie) Deguara, Theresa (James) Long, Peter (Kelli) Abela and Vincent Vassallo. Great-grandmother of Michael, Collyn, Kailey and Gabby. Dear sister of Cikka Borg of Malta and the late Paul Borg. Aunt to numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives in Malta and Canada. In life Carmen emigrated to the United States in 1950. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and all around genuine, giving person. She had an insatiable gift for loving and caring for family and will be missed by all who knew her.²
Carmela Borg Family nick name: Ta Tramuntana.

     Manuel George Camilleri was born on 18 October 1927 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 2 1/12 in 1930 census; age 13 in 1940 census.¹ He married Caroline Garritano. Manuel George Camilleri married Mary Ann Sherry, daughter of Charles Emanuel Scerri and Josephine Fenech. Manuel George Camilleri died on 20 September 2012 at Loomis, CA, USA, at age 84.³ He was buried at Calvary Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum, Sacramento Co., CA, USA.
     He was listed in the 1930 US Census of Joseph Camilleri and Mary Galea in 1930 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 36, wrecks buildings; and uncle John J. Galea, 52.¹ Manuel George Camilleri was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph Camilleri and Mary Galea in 1940 at Lake Co., CA, USA; age 48, farmer.² Manuel George Camilleri began military service US Army in WWII; US Navy in Vietnam. He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Evan S. Sprague and Paulina Camilleri in 1950 at San Francisco, WY, USA; age 33, linoleum contractor.
Obituary: on 24 September 2012: Emanuel "Mike" Camilleri - Of Loomis, CA, September 20, 2012, a native of San Francisco, CA, age 84 years. Husband of the late Caroline Garritano Camilleri and late Maryann Sherry Camilleri. Father of Nanette Blum, Joseph (Leslie) Camilleri, Mark (Judy) Camilleri, Marianne (Peter) Pignati, Christopher (Patricia) Blum and Dante (the late Cheryl) Camilleri. 16 Grandchildren, 2 Great Grandchildren. Brother of Josephine Shaul, Ruth Fenech, Teresa Deramo, Mary Herren and the late Carmella Mifsud-Herren, Pauline Sprague, Frank Camilleri, Alice Miller and Allen Camilleri. Mike was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Army WW2 veteran and Navy Korean War veteran. Worked in the flooring business for over 40 years in Northern California. Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman. Renowned among family and friends for his hard work and strong ethics. He will be dearly missed.³ Manuel George Camilleri was also known as Emanuel Camilleri.³ Manuel George Camilleri was also known as Mike Camilleri.

     Eileen H. Donnelly was born circa 1942. She married Joseph Gregory Camilleri, son of Lawrence Camilleri and Carmen Coster, on 14 September 1963 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Eileen H. Donnelly died on 27 September 2010; age 68.¹
     Her married name was Camilleri.¹
Obituary: on 29 September 2010: Eileen H. (Donnelly) Camilleri Entered into rest on September 27, 2010 at the age of 68. Beloved wife for 47 years to Joseph G. Camilleri. Loving mother of Joseph L. Camilleri, Steven D. Camilleri and Nicole M. Camilleri. Sister of Elizabeth, Rose and Nancy and the daughter of the late Daniel & Rose Donnelly. She leaves many loving nieces & nephews.¹

     Joseph Gregory Camilleri was born on 18 December 1938 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 1 in 1940 census.¹ He married Eileen H. Donnelly on 14 September 1963 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.²
     Joseph Gregory Camilleri was listed in the 1940 US Census of Lawrence Camilleri and Carmen Coster in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 32, steamship painter.¹ Joseph Gregory Camilleri was listed in the 1940 US Census of Lawrence Camilleri and Carmen Coster in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 42, painting contractor, painting & decorator. Joseph Gregory Camilleri was living in 2020 in South San Francisco, CA, USA.

     Paula M. Ebejer was born on 4 September 1964 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ She married Douglas Moffitt.¹
     Her married name was Ebejer-Moffitt.¹ Paula M. Ebejer witnessed the Maltese Club Member of Paul Ebejer and Marlene Meyer in 1991; Helped with remodel of new Club location, 1997-1998. Paula M. Ebejer was a owner, Prima Printing in 1991. She and (?) Maltese Owned Businesses were Maltese Business Owner of Prima Printing in San Carlos since 1991. Paula M. Ebejer was a member of the Maltese American Social Club and was Grievance Committee member in 2022 in 1997. She contributed her family's genealogy to MHS on 31 December 2011. As of 31 December 2011, Paula M. Ebejer lived at 2013 Howard Ave, San Carlos, CA, USA; paula@pumaprinting.com.¹

Paula M. Ebejer was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 29 September 2013: 5AN CARLOS --Tradition celebrates artists’ talents ®y Lily Bixler Clausen -- ...The driving force behind the San Carlos Art & Wine Faire is probably the 250 people who volunteer each year. A core group of about a dozen people come back year after year and spend long hours working the festival. San Carlos resident and small business owner Paula Ebejer-Moffit is one of those steadfast volunteers. She started volunteering at the fair 15 years ago and now serves on the fair’s planning committee. Why does Ebejer-Moffit keep coming back? Because she knows what the fair does for the community. Besides drawing her town together and providing a great excuse to celebrate fall, the Chamber of Commerce uses profits — at least $5,000 per year — toward scholarships for local kids.
Maltese Cross Foundation was a member of Maltese Cross Foundation Award in 2014. She was living in 2020.

     Douglas Moffitt was born on 24 September 1965 in Walnut Creek, CA, USA.¹ He married Paula M. Ebejer, daughter of Paul Ebejer and Marlene Meyer.¹